Trio of B's prospects to play in NHLPA's Rookie Showcase

Ryan Spooner (left) and Jared Knight
will be among those playing in the rookie showcase in Toronto.
(Dave Arnold Photography)

The top up-and-coming players in the game today have been
invited to partake in the NHLPA’s Rookie Showcase on Aug. 28
up in Toronto. Three of the players partaking in the event belong
to the Black and Gold.

Bruins prospects Jared Knight, Ryan Spooner and Dougie Hamilton
have been named to the list of expected attendees. Knight, a rugged
winger, was selected 32nd overall by the B’s in
2010. Boston grabbed Spooner, a slick center, 13 picks later. The
two have wrapped up their junior careers and will battle for a
roster spot with the Bruins at training camp, though they’ll
likely each begin the season in Providence.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is projected to make the leap to the pros
this fall after a superb third season with the OHL’s Niagara
Ice Dogs. The 6-foot-5 blueliner, picked ninth overall in 2011, had
72 points in 50 contests and was named the OHL’s Defenseman
of the Year.

According to the NHL, photos of the participating players
will be used for trading cards, video games and other
memorabilia.

Here are a few noteworthy players that’ll be joining the
B’s trio of prospects at the event:

Nail Yakupov, Ryan Murray, Alex Galchenyuk, Griffin Reinhart and
Morgan Rielly, the top five picks in 2012, will be among the
participants.

Playoff sensation Chris Kreider (Boxford, Mass.), who went from
national champion at BC to key contributor for the Rangers’
this postseason at the drop of a hat, will also be playing. The
gifted forward has yet to make his regular season debut.

Former BU forward Charlie Coyle (East Weymouth, Mass.), a
prospect of the Wild, will be participating. Coyle left the
Terriers midway through the 2011-12 campaign to play for the
QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs.

Ex-NU defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, a Toronto native and Dallas
Stars prospect, will be patrolling the blueline at the rookie
showcase. The 6-foot-7 rearguard split the 2011-12 season between
the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit and Niagara Ice Dogs after one year
at Northeastern.